An ancient cultural city in eastern Guangdong, the heart of Chaoshan culture, famous for Chaozhou cuisine, kung fu tea, and exquisite traditional architecture.
Chaozhou is a historic prefecture-level city in eastern Guangdong Province, widely regarded as the cultural heart of the Chaoshan region. With over 1,600 years of recorded history, the city is a living museum of traditional Chinese culture, where ancient customs, language, music, and cuisine have been remarkably well-preserved.
The city's crowning jewel is Guangji Bridge, a Song dynasty marvel that combines stone arches with a floating pontoon section made of 18 wooden boats — an engineering solution that allowed both river traffic and pedestrian crossing. The adjacent Paifang Street, lined with 23 restored imperial archways, leads visitors through a maze of traditional shops, tea houses, and food stalls.
Chaozhou is synonymous with exquisite cuisine considered by many connoisseurs to be the finest in China. The local culinary tradition emphasizes fresh ingredients, delicate flavors, and meticulous preparation. Chaozhou Gongfu tea (kung fu tea) is not just a beverage but a cultural ritual that embodies the Chaoshan philosophy of taking time to appreciate life's finer details.
Chaozhou has a recorded history spanning over 1,600 years. Founded during the Jin dynasty (265-420 AD), it served as the administrative and cultural center of the Chaoshan region for centuries. The city reached its golden age during the Song dynasty, when Guangji Bridge was built and the area prospered through maritime trade.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Chaozhou became a major emigration port, with large numbers of Chaoshan people departing for Southeast Asia. This diaspora spread Chaozhou culture across the region, making Teochew (Chaozhou) communities prominent in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
The city's cultural heritage was remarkably resilient through the 20th century. While many ancient Chinese cities lost their traditional character, Chaozhou preserved its old town layout, historic buildings, and living traditions. Today, Chaozhou is recognized as a National Famous Historical and Cultural City by the Chinese government, with over 20 national-level cultural relic protection sites.
Chaozhou's economy is built on three pillars: ceramics, tourism, and tea. The city is one of China's largest production bases for daily-use ceramics, exporting fine porcelain tableware, decorative pieces, and sanitary ware to markets worldwide.
Tourism is a rapidly growing sector, driven by Chaozhou's rich cultural heritage and culinary fame. Guangji Bridge, the old town, and the city's food scene attract millions of domestic tourists annually, with increasing international interest in Chaoshan culture and cuisine.
Tea production, centered on Fenghuang Mountain, produces the highly prized Dan Cong oolong tea, which commands premium prices in the Chinese tea market. The city's GDP reached 120 billion yuan in 2025.
Discover the culinary treasures of Chaozhou, from traditional street food to imperial cuisine.
Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport (SWA) is the main regional airport, about 20 km from Chaozhou city center. It serves domestic and some international routes.
Chaozhou Railway Station on the Xiamen-Shenzhen high-speed railway. Direct trains to Guangzhou in about 2 hours, Shenzhen in 1.5 hours, and Xiamen in 1.5 hours.
No metro system. Public buses and taxis serve the city. The old town is very walkable and best explored on foot.
Mar - May
Mild and pleasant with occasional rain. The old town is beautiful with blooming flowers. Good for food tours and cultural exploration.
Jun - Aug
Hot and humid with frequent rain and occasional typhoons. Fenghuang Mountain is cool and pleasant for tea garden visits.
Sep - Nov
Comfortable temperatures with clear skies. The best season for sightseeing, outdoor photography, and enjoying Chaozhou's streets and architecture.
Dec - Feb
Mild and dry with cool evenings. An excellent time to explore the city without crowds and enjoy hot Chaoshan tea in traditional tea houses.
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